Nevin Manimala

Magn Reson Med. 2025 Nov 15. doi: 10.1002/mrm.70180. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy enables quantitative measurement of tissue oxygen levels. The conventional single-loop EPR resonator designs limit the oxygen measurements to superficial tissues within 1-3 cm depth and inadequately address clinical requirements for deep-tissue oxygen monitoring in anatomically complex regions and confined body cavities. The aim of this study was to develop a flexible RF coil-based sensor (OxyTrack) designed for real-time oxygen measurements in complex anatomical environments that are typically inaccessible to conventional rigid coil configurations.

METHODS: The RF coil configuration of the OxyTrack included a catheter-like, flexible design that incorporates the OxyChip (oxygen sensor) in the resonant loop. A modified coaxial cable arrangement with braided shielding was used for cavity measurements. The constructed coil/sensor was evaluated for power saturation thresholding, oxygen sensitivity (calibration), mechanical stability, and integrity of the coil under various stress conditions. Biological validation studies were performed to test dynamic oxygen variations in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) of murine subjects.

RESULTS: The flexible OxyTrack exhibited an oxygen sensitivity of 14.8 mG/mmHg with a linear response across physiological ranges (0-160 mmHg), maintaining signal integrity under various mechanical stresses. In vivo validation experiments in mice GI tracts demonstrated statistically significant discrimination of rectal tissue oxygenation between normoxic (0.52 ± 0.04 mmHg) and hyperoxic conditions (6.43 ± 0.24 mmHg) with p < 0.001. Pre-clinical imaging compatibility established the absence of significant artifacts.

CONCLUSION: This flexible RF coil sensor enables minimally invasive, real-time oxygen monitoring in complex anatomical locations, with implications for pre-clinical research and potential clinical translation in oxygen-related pathophysiology assessment.

PMID:41240324 | DOI:10.1002/mrm.70180

Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2025 Nov 15:e70208. doi: 10.1111/nmo.70208. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) and achalasia are distinct esophageal disorders with overlapping symptoms, complicating diagnosis and treatment. While previous studies examined EoE among achalasia patients, less is known about the inverse relationship. We aimed to characterize features of EoE patients with and without the diagnosis of comorbid achalasia, as well as the temporal relationship between them.

METHODS: A retrospective, population-based cohort study was conducted using the Clalit Health Services database, covering over 5 million individuals. Patients diagnosed with EoE between 2000 and 2025 were included. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were compared between EoE patients with and without achalasia. Direct matching according to age, biological sex and ethnicity was used to identify independent predictors of achalasia.

RESULTS: Among 2496 EoE patients (median age 14, IQR 6.3-29.8 years; 73.2% male), 51 (2.0%) had achalasia, including 10 pediatric cases (0.6% of 1609 children). Achalasia preceded the EoE diagnosis in 20 patients (39.2%), occurred within 30 days in 20 (39.2%), and followed in 11 (21.6%). Compared to EoE-only patients, those with achalasia were older and had significantly higher rates of esophageal complications such as food impaction (23.5% vs. 12%, p = 0.013), esophageal stricture (11.8% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.017) and Barrett’s esophagus (3.9% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.029). However, it had fewer atopic characteristics such as food allergy (3.9% vs. 24.7%, p < 0.001) and peripheral eosinophilia (15.7% vs. 29.5%). However, after direct matching there was no statistical difference.

CONCLUSIONS: The concomitant diagnosis of achalasia occurs in a notable subset of EoE patients and tends to precede or coincide with EoE, suggesting that eosinophilic inflammation may be secondary in some cases. Awareness of this overlap may improve diagnostic elucidation in identifying the primary underlying process (eosinophilic infiltration or dysmotility) and diagnosis (EoE or achalasia).

PMID:41240319 | DOI:10.1111/nmo.70208

Vet Res Commun. 2025 Nov 15;50(1):37. doi: 10.1007/s11259-025-10985-5.

ABSTRACT

Considering the importance of pigs acting as a source of infection for zoonotic protozoan species, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and perform the molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in pigs raised in semi-intensive production systems in the municipality of Araçatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Two hundred fecal samples from pigs raised in four farms were collected between March and August 2018. Detection and speciation of Cryptosporidium spp. were performed by nested PCR of small subunit ribosomal RNA (18 S rRNA) gene followed by Sanger sequencing. The chi-square statistical test was performed to verify the association between positivity and negativity for Cryptosporidium spp. with the age of the pigs. Cryptosporidium spp. were identified in 34/200 (17%) samples. Sequencing of amplified fragments identified Cryptosporidium scrofarum in ten samples. No statistical significance was observed between the positivity and age of the animals. The presence of C. scrofarum, a potentially zoonotic protozoan, was confirmed in domestic pigs for the first time in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

PMID:41240284 | DOI:10.1007/s11259-025-10985-5

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Nov 15. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-37148-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Understanding how urbanization reshapes local thermal conditions is essential for planning in fast-growing tropical cities. We assessed Landsat-derived LST, NDVI, and BU; land-use dynamics; and the station-based Thom’s Discomfort Index (DI) for João Pessoa, Brazil. The series covers 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022, using images acquired on December 3, 2013; November 25, 2016; May 26, 2019; and August 6, 2022 (Landsat OLI/TIRS). The selected dates represent months typically within the region’s dry (November-December) and rainy (May-August) seasons; where indicated, DI was also summarized by dry and rainy periods. Using cloud masking and zonal statistics in buffers around meteorological stations, we paired remote-sensing indices with DI for the north and south sectors. Results confirm that the loss of green areas due to urban expansion contributes to higher thermal conditions and the intensification of surface urban heat islands; these areas reached LST up to 37 °C in 2022. Citywide NDVI statistics-computed over valid pixels within the municipal boundary after cloud/water masking-declined from 2013 (max, 0.4427; mean, 0.1983) to (Thom and Thom 2022) (max, 0.3876; mean, 0.1277), reflecting vegetation loss. The BU analysis highlighted the expansion of built-up areas and its correlation with thermal increases, with conditions categorized as “slightly uncomfortable.” DI remained “partially comfortable” (24 °C ≤ DI ≤ 26 °C) in all years, indicating proximity to discomfort thresholds. Overall, João Pessoa requires targeted mitigation and prevention strategies to safeguard public health and quality of life.

PMID:41240279 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-37148-y

Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2025 Nov 15. doi: 10.1007/s12602-025-10816-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Recent research has highlighted the potential of postbiotics as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in broiler production. The impact of postbiotics on growth performance and gut health in broilers has shown inconsistent findings, influenced by parameters such as postbiotic type, dosage, and delivery techniques. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of postbiotics on broiler growth performance, including average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), in addition to gut morphology metrics, such as villus height (VH) and crypt depth (CD). A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 30 studies were selected from an initial group of 413 studies. The research included randomized controlled trials and observational studies published from 2015 to 2025. Effect sizes were computed using Cohen’s d, while publication bias was evaluated through funnel plots and Egger’s test. The Cochran Q test was used to assess heterogeneity among studies, employing a random-effects model for cases with statistically significant heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to postbiotic type, sample size, and age of broilers. The meta-analysis results indicated a positive impact of postbiotics on ADG and BW, especially for bacterial-based postbiotics such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis. The meta-analysis also indicated a positive impact of fermented based postbiotics on feed intake (FI) of broilers. Nonetheless, the impact on gut morphology was inconsistent, with considerable diversity noted among studies. Heterogeneity was significant, with variables including postbiotic type, sample size, and age of broilers influencing outcome variability. In conclusion, although postbiotics have potential as substitutes for AGPs, their impact on grill growth and gut health remains inconsistent. This study highlights the necessity for more research to standardize postbiotic therapies and investigate their long-term impacts on poultry productivity.

PMID:41240268 | DOI:10.1007/s12602-025-10816-8

Community Ment Health J. 2025 Nov 15. doi: 10.1007/s10597-025-01555-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a CHIME-based psychoeducational group intervention on personal recovery in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. A randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design was conducted between January and July 2024. A total of 60 participants receiving services from a Community Mental Health Center and meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 29) or the control group (n = 30). The intervention group participated in a structured “CHIME-Based Psychoeducation Program” comprising seven weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 60 min. Outcome measures included the Subjective Recovery Assessment Scale (SRAS), Psychological Resilience Assessment Scale (PRAS), and Schizophrenia Hope Scale (SHS). Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Both groups continued to receive standard community mental health services throughout the study. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Friedman tests, and intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis for handling missing data. Accordingly, the CHIME-Based Group Psychoeducation Program can be considered an effective intervention to enhance personal recovery, psychological resilience, and hope. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier number is NCT06284096.

PMID:41240240 | DOI:10.1007/s10597-025-01555-9

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 15. doi: 10.1007/s10096-025-05355-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathogens and clinical characteristics of necrotizing pneumonia (NP) in our hospital from January 2019 to June 2025.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of children with NP. Patients were divided into a single- bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) group and a multiple-BAL group. Pathogens and clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: This study included 365 patients with NP, 193 of whom were males. The incidence of NP significantly increased in 2023-2024. The pathogen identification rate was 98.36%, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) being the most commonly pathogen (91.00%). There were 138 cases of mixed infection and 227 cases of single infection. The 335 cases underwent BAL, with 139 cases assigned to the single-BAL group. Follow-up within 6 months after discharge was conducted for 238 patients, and the majority exhibited a favorable prognosis. No statistical differences were observed between the two groups regarding gender, age, time from onset to diagnosis, or duration of fever. However, a significant difference was noted in the length of hospital stay (P < 0.05). The infection rate of MP in the single-BAL group was lower than that in the multiple-BAL group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The incidence of NP significantly increased in 2023-2024, with MP as the predominant pathogen. Children with NP present with severe clinical symptoms, a prolonged disease course, and significantly elevated inflammatory markers. Most NP patients have a favorable prognosis. Patients requiring multiple BAL procedures demonstrate a higher MP infection rate.

PMID:41240235 | DOI:10.1007/s10096-025-05355-7

Fish Physiol Biochem. 2025 Nov 15;51(6):195. doi: 10.1007/s10695-025-01602-y.

ABSTRACT

Anaesthesia is a necessary step during fish manipulation. Tricaine methane-sulfonate (MS-222) is the most commonly used anaesthetic in experimental trials; however, its use in food fish production is strictly regulated. This study aimed to evaluate clove oil, less persistent and authorized in European countries, as an alternative to MS-222 for skin mucus analyses in aquaculture settings. For this purpose, rainbow trout individuals from a commercial factory were sedated with clove oil or MS-222. The concentration of protein, glucose, lactate, and cortisol and the antibacterial activity were measured in both skin mucus and plasma. Additionally, FRAP, total protease activity, and lysozyme activity were also analysed for mucus samples. Recovery times differed significantly between treatments, being approximately four times longer for clove oil (at the farm’s standard dose) than for MS-222 (at the standard laboratory dose). However, none of the stress-related biomarkers in mucus were affected by the anaesthetic treatment, whereas plasma from clove oil-treated fish showed increased lactate and reduced cortisol levels. The in vitro bacterial growth inhibition assay using mucus and plasma provides a reliable and rapid method for assessing fish innate immunity. No significant differences were observed between treatments against any of the bacterial strains tested. Overall, the findings strongly endorse the use of skin mucus as an effective method for studying and monitoring trout in aquaculture settings.

PMID:41240215 | DOI:10.1007/s10695-025-01602-y

Doc Ophthalmol. 2025 Nov 15. doi: 10.1007/s10633-025-10068-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Pupillometry is most commonly performed in laboratory settings using specialized, non-portable instruments that require lengthy test protocols. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a rapid, clinically-applicable pupillometry protocol using a commercially available, portable, handheld instrument.

METHODS: Thirty-seven healthy individuals (ages 21-61 years) participated in three experiments. In each experiment, the pupillary light reflex (PLR) was elicited by full-field, 500 ms chromatic flashes (470 nm and 621 nm; 12,000 Td). Experiment I evaluated the minimum dark adaptation (DA) time needed to achieve maximum PLRs. Experiment II determined the effect of age. Experiment III estimated PLR test-retest repeatability. For all experiments, baseline pupil size (BL; 1 s before flash onset), maximum pupil constriction (MPC) following the flash, and post-illumination pupillary response (PIPR; median size 6-8 s after flash offset) were quantified.

RESULTS: Experiment I showed that from 1 to 3 min of DA, BL and MPC increased slightly (0.27 mm and 5%, respectively), whereas the PIPR increased considerably (17%). The responses did not change appreciably after 3 min, therefore a 3 min DA period was used for Experiments II and III. Experiment II showed a trend for BL and MPC to decrease with age, but correlations with age were not statistically significant (all p > 0.05). PIPR was independent of age (r = – 0.01; p = 0.96). Experiment III showed test-retest repeatability of approximately 1 mm for BL, and 10% for MPC and PIPR, indicating good repeatability.

CONCLUSION: The proposed approach is useful for measuring the MPC and PIPR across a broad range of ages and baseline pupil sizes. Given the device portability and short test duration (approximately 5 min including DA), this approach has promising clinical utility.

PMID:41240211 | DOI:10.1007/s10633-025-10068-5

Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2025 Nov 15. doi: 10.1007/s12223-025-01372-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The study presents an optimization process to produce L-arginine deiminase (ADI) from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum, focusing on the impact of growth parameters and the role of phytohormones and polyamines. ADI, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of L-arginine to citrulline and ammonia, holds potential for cancer therapy by depleting L-arginine into auxotrophic tumors. The research identified optimal conditions for ADI production, including an incubation period of 6 days, 150 rpm agitation, and specific nutrient concentrations, with glucose and yeast extract as preferred carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. L-arginine enhancement was most effective at pH 6 and 35 °C. Phytohormones such as gibberellic acid (GA3) and polyamines including spermidine and spermine were found to significantly boost enzyme production at lower concentrations. The study employed a Plackett-Burman design to determine critical factors, highlighting pH and glucose concentration as key influencers, supported by statistical analysis and 3D surface plots. These results open the door for the therapeutic synthesis of ADIs on a massive scale, necessitating additional study to maximize these enzymes for use in clinical settings.

PMID:41240209 | DOI:10.1007/s12223-025-01372-3